• Overview
  • Pre-session documents
  • Technical Briefings
  • Multi-Stakeholder Day
  • Lunch time events

OEWG dates: Tuesday, 24 June 2025 - Friday, 27 June 2025

Venue: Convention and Exhibition Centre in Punta del Este, Uruguay

Pre meetings:

Hybrid events: Some Multi-Stakeholder Day and Lunch time events are available to attend online. Please refer to the above tabs for details.

Schedule: An overview of the OEWG schedule is available here. For details of the Multi-Stakeholder Day and Lunch time events please visit the tabs above.

Participant Information: Please see the information for participants document uploaded - 6th June 2025

Registration: For self-funded participants, registration closes 30th May. Registration has now closed for funded participants. 

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Introducing the Open-Ended Working Group

The first meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) for the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) will be held from 24–27 June 2025 at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Punta del Este, Uruguay. The event is open to all stakeholders committed to sustainable global chemicals management, particularly professionals representing governments, industry, health and labour, business and industry associations, academia, and non-governmental associations.

The OEWG will include discussions and work on the Framework’s resolutions, including those focused on implementation programmes, the Global Alliance on Highly Hazardous Pesticides, the Global Framework on Chemicals Fund, and the Gender Action Plan. Participants will also focus on emerging policy issues, capacity building, and the integration of safe and sustainable chemicals management practices across economic and industrial sectors, including textiles, agriculture, and finance. There will also be preparations for the International Conference scheduled for late 2026.

Please note that the GFC OEWG will be held back-to-back with the resumed third session of the ad hoc Open-Ended Working Group of the science-policy panel to contribute further to the safe and sustainable management of chemicals and waste.

For more information, please visit the Global Framework on Chemicals website or contact the secretariat at unep-gfc.secretariat@un.org

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“Strengthening National Chemicals Legislation and Institutional Capacities" 

Prior to the conference, 22-23 (morning) June, the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC) will host a global multi-stakeholder workshop to develop a Global Framework on Chemicals Implementation Programme for “Strengthening National Chemicals Legislation and Institutional Capacities". For more information, please visit the IOMC website.

Working Documents

UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/1 - Provisional Agenda - posted 22 May 2025

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UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/1/Add.1 - Annotated provisional agenda (Advance) - posted 13 May 2025

English

UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/2 - Financial Consideration - posted 29 May 2025

عربي          中文版          English        Français          Русский          Español

UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/3 - Global Framework on Chemicals Fund and status of contributions - posted 2 June 2025

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UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/4 - Gender Action Plan (Advance) - posted 12 May 2025

English

UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/5 - Emerging policy issues and issues of concern (Advance) - posted 13 May 2025

English

UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/6 - International cooperation and coordination: interlinkages and activities to implement the Global Framework on Chemicals - posted 26th May 2025

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UNEP/GFC/OEWG. 1/7 - National focal points - posted 26th May 2025

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UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/8 - Implementation of the Global Framework on Chemicals (Advance) - posted 9th May 2025

English

UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/9 - Measurability structure - posted 26th May 2025

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UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/10 - Global alliance on highly hazardous pesticides - posted 26th May 2025

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UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/11 - Programme of work, staffing and budget - posted 15th May 2025

English

UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/12 - Capacity building - posted 26th May 2025

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UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/13 - Preparations for the first session of the International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals - posted 26th May 2025

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Information Documents

UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/INF/1/Rev.1 - Revised tentative schedule of work of the Open-Ended Working Group of the Global Framework on Chemicals - posted 3 June 2025

English

UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/INF/2 - Scenario note for the first meeting of the Open-ended Working Group of the International Conference on the Global Framework on Chemicals - posted 6 June 2025

English

UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/INF/3/Rev.1 - Financial arrangements: Chemical use in textile value chains: Cotton clothing - posted 6 June 2025

English

UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/INF/4 - Update on progress towards developing a “costs of 
inaction” study - posted 22 May 2025

English

UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/INF/5 - Global Framework on Chemicals Fund - posted 3 June 2025

English

UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/INF/6 - Development of a Gender Action Plan: Integration and review of existing information - posted 2 June 2025

English

UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/INF/7 - Partnership for a Lead-Free Future - posted 6 June 2025

English

UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/INF/8 - Activities of the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals in support of implementation of the Global Framework on Chemicals  - posted 2 June 2025

English

UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/INF/9 - Contributions of the chemicals and waste international 
agreements and frameworks to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework - posted 22 May 2025

English

UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/INF/10 - National Focal Points - posted 3 June 2025

English

UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/INF/11 - Development of Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC)  Implementation  Programmes  to  Advance  Integrated  Chemicals  and Waste Management - posted 3 June 2025

English

UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/INF/12 - Measurability structure - posted 6 June 2025

English

UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/INF/14  - Global alliance on highly hazardous pesticides - posted 22 May 2025

English

UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/INF/15  - Quick views on the first meeting of the Open-ended Working Group (OEWG-1) of the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) - posted 9 June 2025

English

UNEP/GFC/OEWG.1/INF/16  - Capacity building - posted 30 May 2025

English

 

Technical briefings date: Monday, 23 June 2025

Venue: Convention and Exhibition Centre in Punta del Este, Uruguay

On the afternoon of 23 June 2025, technical briefings have been planned successively on:

  • GFC Fund (12:30 to 13:30)  
  • Measurability and indicators (13:30 to 15:00)

Following those briefings, from 15:00 to 18:00 space is available for informal regional and stakeholder consultations. 
 

Date: Thursday, 26 June, 2025

Venue: Convention and Exhibition Centre in Punta del Este, Uruguay; with many hybrid components

Focus: The focus of the “Multi-Stakeholder Day” is Strategic Objective D of the Global Framework for Chemicals: “Safer alternatives and innovative and sustainable solutions in product value chains are in place so that benefits to human health and the environment are maximized and risks are prevented or, where prevention is not feasible, minimized.”  

Theme: The role of chemicals and waste management in fostering sustainability and circularity along value chains: Shaping a GFC Industry Implementation Program

Details: Join us for a day of interactive, sector-focused discussions and expert-led masterclasses on how chemicals and waste management can support sustainability across global value chains. Registration for in-person attendance closes on 30 May 2025, however, the hybrid sessions remain open for virtual participation.

In addition to hybrid events on the Multi- Stakeholder Day, there also hybrid events taking place at lunch time on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. See the Lunch Time Events tab above.

Please click here for a quick view of the agenda.

A detailed view of the schedule can be found below.

All times below are given in Uruguay time (UTC-3)

 



09:00–09:45

  1. Introduction to the day’s sessions and events

    This session will outline the objectives, themes, and structure of the day’s dialogues and workshops.

    Location: Auditorio 1+2

 


 

10:00–11:15

  1. Knowledge-Sharing on Priority Chemicals of Concern (HYBRID)

    Presentation of the thematic topic, knowledge-sharing on relevant existing initiatives and discussion on furthering activities under a workstream, such as opportunities to identify criteria for chemicals of concern.

    Location: Jaguel 1 + 2

    Please click here and select 'Join as a guest' to attend this Webex hybrid event

     

  2. Transparency and Traceability Along Value Chains (HYBRID)

    Presentation and knowledge sharing of the thematic topic, as well as discussion on furthering the workplan, including the identification of user groups along value chains and their chemical information needs.

    Location: Auditorio 4

    Please click here and select 'Join as a guest' to attend this Webex hybrid event

     

  3. Disclosure and Reporting Standards/Frameworks (HYBRID)

    Session on enhancing disclosure standards for improved traceability of chemical use across value chains.

    Location: Auditorio 3

    Please click here and select 'Join as a guest' to attend this Webex hybrid event

 


 

11:30–12:45

  1. Green and Sustainable Chemistry Innovations and Solutions (HYBRID)

    Presentation of the thematic topic, knowledge sharing on the different green and sustainable chemistry frameworks and discussion of workstream activities.

    Location: Jaguel 1 + 2

    Please click here and select 'Join as a guest' to attend this Webex hybrid event

     

  2. Chemical Footprint Approaches (HYBRID)

    Presentation of the thematic topic, knowledge-sharing on existing chemical footprint approaches, and discussion of activities within the workstream such as guidance to provide options to measure aspects of the chemical footprint and supporting industry disclosure.

    Location: Auditorio 4

    Please click here and select 'Join as a guest' to attend this Webex hybrid event

     

  3. Private Sector Financing (HYBRID)

    Session on shifting finance towards sustainable chemicals management.

    Location: Auditorio 3

    Please click here and select 'Join as a guest' to attend this Webex hybrid event

 


13:00–13:45

  1. Masterclass 1: Chemical Footprinting Methodologies (HYBRID)

    The Masterclass aims to raise awareness about the differences among different chemical footprint approaches and highlights the importance of understanding key differences of the approaches in supporting better chemicals management and decision-making.  

    Location: Auditorio 4

    Please click here and select 'Join as a guest' to attend this Webex hybrid event

     

  2. Masterclass 2: Understanding Finance and Sustainable Chemicals Management (HYBRID)

    Masterclass on best practices to shift financial flows to sustainable chemicals management

    Location: Auditorio 3

    Please click here and select 'Join as a guest' to attend this Webex hybrid event

 


 

14:00–14:45

  1. Fireside Chats - Sustainable Chemistry Innovation

    Two informal sessions with entrepreneurs sharing their journey, challenges, and lessons learned.

    Location: La Barra 2

     

  2. Unlocking the Construction-Chemicals Connection: Addressing Hidden Risks and Market Opportunities (HYBRID)

    Summary to follow

    Location: Auditorio 3

    Please click here and select 'Join as a guest' to attend this Webex hybrid event

     

  3. Integrating Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) in Implementation Programmes (HYBRID)

    A focus on how OSH principles can be integrated into the implementation programmes, feeding into the specific sectoral implementation programmes, such as health, textiles, and electronics.

    Location: Jaguel 1 + 2

    Please click here and select 'Join as a guest' to attend this Webex hybrid event

 


 

15:00–16:30

  1. Electronic Industry Sector Workshop (HYBRID)

    Workshop and panel on scaling circular electronics, financing circularity, innovative technologies for circularity, and policy and global alignment.

    Location: Auditorio 3

    Please click here and select 'Join as a guest' to attend this Webex hybrid event

     

  2. Textile Industry Sector Workshop (HYBRID)

    Interactive session on managing hazardous chemicals in textiles.

    Location: Auditorio 4

    Please click here and select 'Join as a guest' to attend this Webex hybrid event

     

  3. Healthcare Industry Sector Workshop (HYBRID)

    Interactive session on chemical safety in the health sector.

    Location: Jaguel 1+2

    Please click here and select 'Join as a guest' to attend this Webex hybrid event

 


 

16:45–18:15

  1. Breakout Groups and Working Sessions on the Electronics, Textiles and Healthcare Implementation Programmes

    Breakout groups will be determined and assigned during the Sector Workshops.

 


 

18:30–20:00

  1. Reception TBD

    Evening networking reception for all participants.

 

Hybrid lunch time events and masterclasses will take place on each day of the OEWG.

Join these sessions for interactive, focused discussions on how chemicals and waste management can support sustainability.

All times below are given in Uruguay time (UTC-3)


 

Tuesday, 24 June

13:00-13.45

  1. Occupational Safety and Health Legal Frameworks (HYBRID)

    This session will look at how national OSH legal frameworks can contribute to the safe and sustainable management of chemicals.

    Location: Auditorio 3

    Please click here and select 'Join as a guest' to attend this Webex hybrid event

     

  2. Strengthening Implementation of GHS: Challenges, Successes, and the Way Forward

    Details to be confirmed

    Location to be confirmed

 

14:00-14.45

  1. Masterclass on regulatory Compliance and Trade: India’s Chemical Regulatory Landscape: Industry-Government Synergy and Regional Perspectives (HYBRID)

    This workshop will bring together a wide array of stakeholders relevant to the development and implementation of chemicals legislation, with a strong regional and global orientation.

    Location: Auditorio 3

    Please click here and select 'Join as a guest' to attend this Webex hybrid event
     


 

Wednesday, 25 June

13:00-13.45

  1. Issues of concern: Advances and updates on PFAS and Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HYBRID)

    This event addresses two issues of concern under the GFC, these are PFAS and HHPs; the event will outline progress in reducing risks from PFAS and HHPs under SAICM/GFC and invites attendees to participate or increase participation in the PFAS Group and/or the Global Alliance on HHPs. The event will indicate possible futures for PFAS and HHPs under the GFC.    

    Location: Auditorio 3

    Please click here and select 'Join as a guest' to attend this Webex hybrid event

     

14:00-14.45

  1. Masterclass on Data Transparency and Traceability (HYBRID)

    Masterclass with a focus on the transparency of information through the value chain & Safety Data Sheets, as the central tool & key mechanism for providing information on product safety 

    Location: Auditorio 3

    Please click here and select 'Join as a guest' to attend this Webex hybrid event

     

  2. Youth Education and Innovation for Sustainable Chemistry and Zero Waste 

    A session focused on innovation with young “pollution solutionists” from Uruguay and across the broader LAC region

    Location to be confirmed 
     


 

Friday, 27 June

13:00-13.45

  1. Establishing a Global Alliance on Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HYBRID)

    This event is an opportunity for stakeholders interested in issues related to highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) to give feedback on a proposed operational framework and to define future steps in establishing a voluntary, multi stakeholder global alliance on HHPs. 

    Location: Auditorio 3

    Please click here and select 'Join as a guest' to attend this Webex hybrid event

     

14:00-14.45

  1. Masterclass: Setting up networks for GFC Implementation (HYBRID)

    Details to be confirmed

    Location: Auditorio 3

    Please click here and select 'Join as a guest' to attend this Webex hybrid event